Local casting is the key for Humboldt actors

For a number of years, outside film crews have come to Humboldt County to visually capture the stunning, varied vistas of abundant natural beauty to enhance many major films and national television commercials.

Indeed, Humboldt County offers filmmakers a staggering number of picturesque choices: from the majestic redwood forests and coastal beaches with winding highways, to the rolling hills and nearby small towns studded with Victorian architectural gems.

Who wouldn't want to make a movie around here?

But, another reason they come is because of the abundance of local talent that's available to work both behind the scenes and in front of the camera. And, especially if you're an aspiring local actor (of any age or gender), what's the best way to have a better chance of being one of the lucky ones cast the next time the opportunity arises?

Registering with either of the two local talent casting agencies is a good start. You will be required to pay a one-time fee of $25 to do so.

And, you will be asked to give very detailed personal information in order to officially sign-up and be put into their casting files for interested production people to view.

Mind you, although there are no guarantees you'll be cast (and being a background extra is the most likely role you'll play if you are), for those who are really interested, the local casting contacts are North Coast Casting and Redwood Curtain Casting.

Jane Morgan, the longtime artistic director of Eureka's Studio of Dance Arts, established North Coast Casting in 2002 after being personally cast as an extra in two major studio films shot in Ferndale, "Outbreak" then "The Majestic."

Morgan said her casting agency was formed "in response to the growing film and television industry in our area. Our purpose is to cast local talent for production companies filming in Northern California. We have established a database of talent to be considered for involvement in a production."

North Coast Casting welcomes and includes both professional-level (SAG) actors, as well as "many very talented and experienced non-union actors, extras, dancers, print-ad models and voice-over experts," Morgan said.

Among the films that she has provided talent for include "Escape In Time," "Illegal Smile," "The Making Of" and "Flea" as well as for a national television commercial for Mastercard.

The second local casting company to consider, Redwood Curtain Casting, was formed in 2006 by professional actor, producer and director Cassandra Hesseltine (who moved on in 2010 to become Humboldt's Film Commissioner).

It has established itself as "a local full-service agency casting for film, commercial, industrial, voice-over and print" for "out-of-town or local producers, directors and advertising executives needing talent in Northern California (or Southern Oregon)."

The agency states their talent pool "includes real people with special skills, union and non-union, that's linked to Old Town Eureka's respected live, local theater company, Redwood Curtain, and its actor training conservatory."

Their registered actors have been cast in many local and national commercials (including Goodyear Tire) and both independent and major studio feature films including "Humboldt County" and "The Wine of Summer."

In any case, the very best way to be ready, willing and artistically able to be cast in a film or commercial, is to get yourself involved as much as possible in the local arts scene in every conceivable way available.

And, whether you're a kid or a high school or college student or a senior, just get out there and get involved. The most important thing is to believe in yourself and what you have to offer.

So, if you've got talent, get out there, work on it, and get as much on-stage, back-stage, behind-and-on-camera, community live theater and access television experience as possible.

And if, after realizing how much work is involved, you still wanna "be in pictures," why not give North Coast Casting or Redwood Curtain Casting a call and go for it? Good luck!